Hi Tom and all.
A bit more usual time for my visit to the bar. As it as gone noon I will try a Bathams Bitter on this sunny Mid Mo day, a change from yesterday, Please RUTH.
ERIC Many thanks for the great photos. I guess by the notice( 2 Short Pulls per person please) in the first photo of a loco cab that the cord sounded the whistle or was it the bell, I wonder how the whistle was worked.
Which loco's cab is in the second cab pic.# 1774 looks a good looking locomotive.
TOM.You are so right, the sun is out, the temperature is pleasant, so it is time for...... YES Spring Cleaning and honey- dos not a phrase I knew about in England but one I am more than familular with nowadays.
I had a look at the Hornblower films in your link thanks. I have seen them on the TV when they were on in Britain. They are very well made and great entertainment with good actors. One of the best roles is played by Robert Lindsay, more known for his comedy acting, but plays a great role as Hornblower's Captain. .
Many thanks for the British pre World War I East and West Coast Joint lines adverts. I see the 8 hour agreement between the companies on trains between London and Edinburgh was in operation. This was what I wrote at the time of your original post on page 131. My view of the Pendelinos as mellowed a bit since then.
On the East Coast route. Today it is still the fastest to the places mentioned, it is run by GNER with mostly MK.4 stock hauled by class 91 electrics and a few HSTs which carry on north of Edinburgh on the non-electrified lines. Although it breaks my heart to say so, living on the West coast main line,in my humble opinion they are the best trains running in Britain FAR FAR FAR better than the new Pendelinos. Also the service on the GNER I have found to be first rate. Getting back to the time of the poster, there was a great rivairy between the West and East routes. IN 1888 and again in1895 there was what was known as the Railway Races to the North. The 1895 race was brought about by the opening of the Forth Bridge thus making the East Coast route the shorter to the Granite City Aberdeen.After a few nights racing in which the trains got lighter and less stops were made the West Coast was the winner. Although the last part of the line to Aberdeen for the East Coast was over Caledonian Railway metals, a West Coast partner,and it is said that the signalman at Kinnerbar Junction gave the West Coast the advantage. Still for that time and the smallness of the locos some remarkable running was achieved One of the West Coast locos a 2-4-0 named HARDWICKE is in the National Railway Museum in York. Not long after the races there were some serious derailments in England which were said to have been caused by speeding the Goverment stepped in and the two rivals signed an agreement of ,I think, of not less than 8 hours between London and Edinburgh. This lasted till the 1930,s. Some of the East Coast Expresses at the time were hauled by Stirling 7feet driving wheel 4-2-0s. The 'single wheelers having a come back with the event ot steam sanding. A trully Classic Locomotive class. The preserved loco #1 was steamed for a short while in the 70s . It is strange to think that this post is getting on to be 2 years old now..
Well Tom I will post this and be back in a bit with some pics.
Pete.
ENCORE! Saturday - ENCORE! Saturday
GREAT BRITAIN PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #2
from multiple sources
Here's something to ponder with regard to our appreciation and fascination with
Classic Trains, this time from Great Britain! Check this pre-WWI poster out!
LONDON & NORTHWESTERN and CALEDONIAN RAILWAYS
London (Euston) .................. 8h. 0m.
Birmingham ...... To ............ 6h. 45m.
Liverpool .......... Glasgow ...... 5h. 10m.
Manchester ..... (Central) ..... 5h. 5m.
Bristol ............................... 9h. 35m.
Birmingham ...... To ............ 6h. 35m.
Liverpool ......... Edinburgh ... 5h. 0m.
Manchester .... (Prin. St.) .... 5h. 10m.
Bristol ............................... 9h. 45m.
London (Euston) .................. 9h. 55m.
Birmingham ...... To ............ 9h. 25m.
Liverpool ......... Dundee ...... 7h. 15m.
Manchester .... (West) ........ 7h. 20m.
Bristol .............................. 12h. 20m.
London (Euston) .................. 11h. 15m.
Birmingham ...... To ............ 11h. 0m.
Liverpool ......... Aberdeen .... 8h. 20m.
Manchester ........................ 8h. 15m.
Bristol .............................. 14h. 20m.
LUNCHEON and DINING CARS
for the accommodation of FIRST and THIRD CLASS PASSENGERS are run on the undernoted Trains:
.......... From London (Euston)
To ............................... a.m. .... p.m.
Glasgow (Central) .......... 10 0 .... 2 0
Edinburgh (Princes St.) ... 10 0 .... 2.0
... Perth ........................ 10.0 ... 2*0
... Aberdeen .................. 10.0 .... 2*0
*to Carstairs
.......... From Liverpool
To ............................... a. m. .... p.m.
Glasgow (Central) .......... 9^50 .... 5 50
Edinburgh (Princes St.) ... 9^50 .... 5*50
... Perth ....................... 9^50 .... 5*50
... Aberdeen ................. 9^50 ..... 5*50
*to Carstairs; ^Luncheon Car, Manchester (Victoria) to Glasgow,
Liverpool Passengers join at Preston.
........... From Manchester
To .............................. a.m. .... p. m.
Glasgow (Central) ......... 9 50 .... 5 45
Edinburgh (Princes St.) .. 9*50 .... 5^45
... Perth ...................... 9*50 .... 5^45
... Aberdeen ................. 9*50 .... 5^45
New and Improved SLEEPING SALOONS
................... between .........................
LONDON (Euston) & SCOTLAND by Night Trains.
(Note: Sorry for the misaligned columns; format differences make it so )
Enjoy!
Tom
GREAT BRITAIN PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #1
Classic Trains, this time from Great Britain! Check out this pre-WWI poster!
first Posted on page 130 of the "original" Thread
ENGLAND & SCOTLAND
EAST COAST ROUTE
GREAT NORTHERN, NORTH EASTERN & NORTH BRITISH RAILWAYS
SHORTEST & QUICKEST ROUTE between LONDON (King's Cross)
and
EDINBURGH, PERTH, INVERNESS, ABERDEEN
&
DIRECT ROUTE TO GLASGOW AND WESTERN HIGLANDS.
DINING CARS - SLEEPING CARS - CORRIDOR TRAINS
LAVATORY CARRIAGES.
London-Hatfield-Hitchin-Huntingdon-Peterboro-Grantham-Newark-Retford-Doncaster-Selby-York-NorthAllerton-Darlington-FerryHill-Durham-Newcastle-Alnmouth-Berwick-Dunbar-Edinburgh, Perth, Inverness, Aberdeen and Glasgow.
Courtesy: http://www.viarail.ca/
This is ENCORE! Saturday 'n Photo Posting Day!
"Our" Place is CLOSED on Sundays.
G'day Gents!
Saturday, the day put aside for the guys (translated: males) to get a move on with the chores, "honey do things," and time permitting, relaxation. So, before things get started, kick off the weekend with a mug of coffee, a pastry or three from The Mentor Village Bakery and a <light> or <traditional> breakfast!
A strange Friday here at the Saloon by the Siding as we had a rather looooooooong lapse between regulars. Fortunately, the track gangs kept things hoppin' in the pool room, as the end of the week ALWAYS is a lively time ‘round here!
The "20 Fingers Syndrome" has been observed! Translated: When there's time for only one Post and the decision is made to do so over on "my other Thread" rather than here at the bar. Used to be a common occurrence with a former "regular" . . . . Happening again.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (since my last narrative):
James at 8:09 AM yesterday: A really nice submission on the BN ‘n SF merger . . . was hoping to see some dialogue and supplemental "stuff" follow. It may still . . . .
CM3 at 8:41 AM yesterday: The subject of ENERGY is draining! <barf> We KNOW what's going on and WHO the culprits are, but is surely appears we are at their mercy - which they have very little of.
Subject of the "box car scam" is always of interest. I know we had quite a dialogue going over on the "original" Thread some time back about it. The RRs who paid for the new cars surely got "hosed," eh
I haven't seen "Coach, Cabbage and Caboose," but hope to on our visit to the camp;us library with the extensive RR holdings - thanx!
This business about pro-sports and the electronic media is absolutely maddening. Yeah, KSDK (the new home of the Cards, Blues ‘n Rams) really put the screws to those who used to follow ‘em all on KMOX. Weaker signal, fewer subscriber stations and programming changes have pretty much changed the landscape - and NOT for the better. So, why would anyone be "surprised" that this has extended to satellite as well????
Wimble smoke duct sounds a bit on the "wimpy" side to Moi!
Thanx for the round, quarters ‘n visit!
Lars at 11:51 AM yesterday: Yeah, I got the "feeling" that BK may have discovered there are other things to do in life aside from "hang ten" ‘round the bar. I think the two months (plus) of being away perhaps helped to steer him elsewhere - mentally that is. He's a good friend of the bar and I seriously doubt we'll lose him, just may not see him as much.
Quite frankly, if THIS is ALL one has to do with spare time, then ONE has a huge PROBLEM. Just look at some of the "cyber names" appearing at the bottom of the main Forum Page - shows who is on line right now and who has the most Posts during a given period of time. There are guys who seem to be "on" ALL OF THE TIME and ALL OF THE FORUMS. Good Gawd Gertie - if that's not an addiction, I don't know the meaning.
And speaking of the Forums - ditto on your assessment of "I'm working on it." Hmmmmmm, does appear as if the subject has been dropped from any serious priority list. Oh well . . . we'll just have to keep sending our feedback.
Can't help you with the "Rob thing" and I'm staying on the sidelines with that. It comes down to this and ONLY this in my opinion: one makes the time for the things they want to do. Priorities change, such is life.
Ruth definitely is happier when you're in town and especially at the bar. I'd be verrrrrrry careful, Mate, she's got THAT look! <grin>
Thanx for noticing the "Idiot of the Week" - no one else apparently picked up on it.
Dave at 3:54 PM yesterday: Back with a 3rd visit to the Saloon by the Siding all the way from Iraq. Way to go! [tup ]
In the field and incognito conjures up all kinds of images. Hard to disguise that you're an American and equally hard that you're not a "local." So be vewwwwwwwwwwwwy careful my fweind (As "Elmer Fudd" would say)!!
Always appreciate having you aboard and the subjects you expound on fall right into the dialogue we strive to create ‘n maintain ‘round here!
With 20 minutes of ISP time, you'll never get caught up - however, just stick to the last couple of Pages, if that's possible, and you'll stay afloat. <grin>
Pete at 10:27 PM yesterday: Thought you were a "goner" for the day, and here it is nearly mid-night! Hmmmmmm, Manager Lars is gonna have your HIDE for this!! <grin> Don't sweat the <tweeting> as that's MY "thing" and he's not authorized to use it.
Nice Post and appreciate your taking the time and making the effort to put forth such a fine inclusive offering!
Can't make a comparison between the Hornblower books ‘n videos. However, the DVD sets (8 discs) we have are of the finest caliber and so well done that we watch ‘em all at least annually. These are all available on http://www.amazon.com/ and worth checking out. I'm not speaking of the "old" movies from way back - I'm referring to the more recent "stuff" that aired on A&E a few years back. Outstanding - simply outstanding.
But I do agree, a good book is like a glass of fine wine, hard to put down.
Good morning Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Leon, Leon, Friday night! I'll have my favorite Rumpsteak Café de Paris as usual! You should try it!
Kind of tired tonight but I had to stop by before going to bed. A beautiful day in the desert! Hopefully the cold days are over for this winter.
Tom – I’ll probably send my info on Stockholm Central Station to Wikipedia on Sunday. My picture from Stockholm Central Station was taken about 11 am on a Monday, that is why it was so quiet. No, Pete provided his list after I mentioned that the X200 was the 6th fastest train in the world. The list might not be exactly the same today though. Santa Fe Class 3450, #3450, 4-6-4 (Hudson), is preserved at Southern California Chapter Railway and Locomotive Historical Society Museum, Pomona, CA. Built 1927 and rebuilt in the late 1930’s with 79” drivers. Retired in the late 50’s. Pictures of #3450 below. Seaboard Air Line sounds more like an airline! Thanks for the info and pictures! I like the paint scheme!James – Thanks for the article, Burlington Northern Merger! I’ve traveled on their tracks from La Crosse, WI to Seattle, WA. I copied the map! CM3 – I am quite sure Big Boy did not have any smoke stack extender. If there were air masks in the cab I don’t know. At least not in this one. But smoke in tunnels must have been a big problem many times.Thanks for the info on the Coaling stations book! I’ll check to see what it is!Lars – I don’t think you have to worry about Ruth. She looks so much happier now since you came back! Gas prices here are sky rocketing right now, 10 cents today to $2.69. Oil prices have not changed much at all though. The scam is on!Weather here is a little bit nicer than on the east side, we will hit 90+ this weekend. Nice book covers as always! And a pretty modern logo. BNSF claims that BNSF does not mean anything anymore. Just a name, BNSF!Dave – Did Big Boy really have smoke hoods? There was hardly room for any thanks to the size of the locomotive.
SP Class M-7 #1774, 2-6-0. On display in Globe, AZ Pete – You are right about Stockholm Central Station. The tracks are to the right. Track 10 is just outside (through the doors), track 11-19 is down the stairs (to the right) and through a tunnel. Track 1-8 are behind my back (but at the same level as the waiting hall).
Eric
A pint of bitter and I'll have the Steak and Fries please LEON.
Running real late but I had to do something I have been putting off and it took a lot longer than I thought it would.
JAMES Thinking about the trailing diesels on the Coal Trains it is a wonder there is not more fires on the locos with the fine coal dust getting on hot surfaces. I guess special attention gets paid to the filters etc.
Those Hornblower books are well worth a read, in my opinion better than the movies.
Many thanks for the Burlington Northern merger. Looking at the map the BNSF does indeed cover a large area. I wonder if they are painting any of their new locomotives in the warbonnet livery .
ERIC Thanks for the photo of the inside of Stockholm Central Station. I guess the way to the platforms is off to the side of the waiting room and down stairs like many of the large N.American stations I have seen in photos. I have been trying to think of any of that design on BR But I cannot come up with any at the moment. Clapham Junction has a wide bridge linking the 16 platforms but the waiting rooms are on the platforms. The main terminal stations the platforms are on the same level as the concorse.
I would agree the Santa Fe was the most well known of the American railroads, at least in the 1950s, a lot of books aimed at the younger generation had a color picture of a Santa Fe F series diesel in warbonnet livery. Although there was quite considerable coverage of North American railroads in the British 'The Railway Magazine' at that time. .
Interesting table of the fastest start to stop tables, still trying to work it out in MPH. It will be interesting to see where the Eurostar is on the table when the Channel Tunnel High Speed Link is opened and up to full working speed.
Thanks for that interesting photo of the arrangement on #3450, and thanks CM3 for the info on the 'Extender' , a term I had not heard of or seen a picture of before.
LARS I agree with what you say about the search feature, I am really grateful Tom puts the page number the original posts the encores were on.
Glad you liked the idea of the fastest trains.In Eric's link to the times and speeds the link to the 1964 speeds are interesting to compare. What stands out to me is the 7th on the list which is UP's City Of Denver which travelled the 1690 miles between Denver and Chicago in 16 hours 15 minutes..
Thanks for the ACL and the Santa Fe book covers.
Great to see you were able to come in the bar again DAVE.
Many thanks for the details on the SP boxcars and the Fresh air systems. the conditions in some of those tunnels in steam days must be very hard to imagine. I suppose a lot of the tunnels were that deep that ventilation shafts were not practical, as was the case in most of the tunnels in the UK.
Keeping track of Boxcars in the days before computers must have been a nightmare,I wonder how many had to be simply written off as the owning company could not find where it had got too..
Keep safe and I will look forward to seeing you in the bar when you can..
TOM Really late tonight, but I will work hard now to make sure the bars are well stocked and the track gang will not have to wait for a beer. I have a feeling though,that the Manager LARS, is going to fine me more for being late then my wages are
The bride called me earlier as she had found a PBS program was showing the White Pass Railway in Alaska, unfortunatly we only caught the last part. I will have to see if they are going to repeat it so I can view the whole program.
We will have to hear more about Baltimore harbor at the rendezvous,as you say what we would do as a kid, makes you wonder how we survived to be this old.
Thanks for the Fallen Flag on the Seaboard Air Line. The names of those trains heading to Florida give the impression of heading to a warmer place names like Palmland and Sunland. The best name thought still has to be the Orange Blossom Special.
Well LEON put my pint on the Bar and I will get it in between my chandeling, and I had better get a round in too.
Note to self, computers are for official use only!! hum?? Then in my official opinion "Our Place" qualifys!!! Just was pounding away of some routine traffic and thought i'd put in a quick visit as i'll be the field next week and incongnito.
Tom..Good day to you sir, your'e to be commended for your attention to the bar..I say you deserve a few rounds on the rest of us, mine is awaiting your consumption.w
Wanted to respond and acknowledge a few..
CM3, True, Can't recall for sure without access to my research materials, but Penn Central comes to mind that pulled to great SP boxcar scam, seems most of the home fleet were ready for the scrap heap and not favored in interchange or else outlawed completely, when along comes brand new SP cars that had been worked east in lumber service.
By slight of car routing and misreporting and much mistruth, they somehow were never forwarded west or otherwise accounted for, the blackhole one might say. SP was forced to use outside law enforcement in conjunction with in house/government resources to investigate and locate the missing fleet.
Hell hath no fury when the truth was uncovered, in addition to SP being owed hundreds of thousand of dollars in usage, the cars were no longer pristine and some the victims of extensive wreck dammage, SP, at great expense was forced to shop the most abject examples at considerable expensive before being returned to service...
Pwolf...Most SP engines were equipped with a fresh air systems for crew use, I belive it was mandatory by the late steam period. I do know compliance was a factor cited by several roads as a reason to dieselize.The UP used smoke hoods, a two piece clamshell design that could be moved in postion via air pressure directly over the stacks for smoke control, adjustable as needed. By that late forties no attention was paid to proper function or not, considered ineffective by crew members and a maintaince headache to the shop personal, neverless, most large power carried them to the scrap yard...
Well, thats about all the time I have, seems a line is forming behind me for ISP time.
Until later
Dave
The Passenger Railroad Fallen Flags of "Our" Place #7
Seaboard Air Line (SAL)
A form of this was initially Posted on Page 115 of the original Thread
source: Classic American Railroads
Caveat: The information provided is NOT all inclusive and is reflective only of the periods mentioned.
Headquarters: Norfolk, VA
Route mileage in 1950: 4,146
Locomotives in 1963: Diesels - 531
Rolling stock in 1963: Freight cars - 27,560; Passenger cars - 446
Principal routes in 1950:
Richmond, VA-Homestead, FL (Miami) via Columbia, SC & Jacksonville & Auburndale, FL
Coleman-St. Petersburg, Fl
Hamlet, NC-Savannah, GA
Norlina, NC-Norfolk
Hamlet-Birmingham, AL
Savannah, GA - Montgomery, AL
Baldwin-Chattahoochee, FL
Baldwin-Gross, FL (bypass of Jacksonville)
Waldo-Sulphur Springs, FL
Plant City-Fort Myers, FL
Durant-Venice, FL
Hull-Port Boca Grande, FL
Valrico-West Lake Wales, FL
Passenger trains of note:
Cotton Blossom (Washington, DC-Atlanta)
Gulf Wind (Jacksonville-New Orleans)
New York-Florida Limited (New York-Miami)
Orange Blossom Special (New York-Miami)
Palmland (New York-Tampa & Boca Grande, FL)
Silver Meteor (New York-Miami & St. Petersburg & Venice & Ft. Myers)
Silver Comet (New York- & Portsmouth, VA-Birmingham)
Silver Star (New York-Miami & St. Petersburg & Venice & Boca Grande, FL)
Sunland (Washington & Portsmouth-Miami & Venice; formerly Southern States Special, Sun Queen & Camellia)
Suwannee River Special (Cincinnati-Florida destinations)
Of note: SAL passenger trains were handled by RF&P & PRR north of Richmond.
L&N handled the Gulf Wind west of Chattahoochee.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SAL ad - "Silver Meteor" Streamliner thru Tropical Florida
(from: www.getcruising.com/rails)
SAL #3011 E4A
(Original line drawing art by Stan Lytle, enhanced by Jack Bleiberg - from: www.getcruising.com/rails)
Orange Blossom special ad
(from: multiple sources)
Ahoy Cap'n Tom 'n fellow travelers at the bar!
Ruth, didja miss me yesterday????? Were you "true"???? Oh, what a question, many pardons! <blush> Set 'em up for the bar and I'll take a double "hit" of JD on the rocks please. Nothing to eat, other than those snacks over there if you please. Of course, snacks as well for the critters along with a small jar of pickled pig's feet for Boris!
Is that "Idiot of the Week" for real???? <geesh>
I've seen the "spike" in gasoline prices here as well, and it's now $2.74 - rounded off - at our favorite Gulf station. Where she stops, nobody knows!
Weather here is on the chilly side, below freezing right now, but expected to get into the middle 30's later on. Why oh why did we leave the Keys???
Don't want to over do it with personal matters, but just let me add that "things" have been somewhat topsy turvy, but not out of the range of being handled. Just a bit more than either of us "need" right now. Life in the fast lane, someone commented? Yeah, that's us. <grin> <groan>
Unless I misread the last post from my "bookend" BK, it appears that he may be slacking off some 'round here. Hope that doesn't mean more than that. Surely can understand trying to come up with something on a frequent basis to maintain a place here at the bar, that can turn into more than intended. However, I know we'd miss our Canadian Connection up there in Alberta. So, let's not have any talk of anything other than, "see ya later!"
Nice pix of the model trains from Europe. Every time I saw those in hobby stores and "upscale" toy departments, I always wondered if they measured up to the stuff we have over here. I'm sure they do. Just that "appearances" always brings forth other thoughts and perhaps incorrect stereotypes. Ahhh, the introspective moment for the Larsman! Surprise, surprise.
I tried to find "that" post from Cap'n Tom on the BNSF "progression" where he put all of the heralds into order. It showed all of the railroads that were in existence, then merged and so forth to become today's BNSF. I thought it would be a nice supplement to the stuff James provided this morning.
Wouldn't ya know it, can't figure out how to find it with this &#%$* search system used on the forums. Why in the world . . . ., ah fuhgedaboudit!
Speaking of the forums, hasn't a reasonable time passed for us to have seen something positive come out of ALL the inquiries made regarding the "trashing" we've undergone. Yeah right, I'll believe it when I see it! Told ya, this guy who oversees the forums isn't showing me that he cares about those who have been the "victims." Just words . . .
Another appearance by West Coast S Dave over there in Iraq. Very happy to know that you're still able to log on and of course participate with us. My guess is that the "down time" probably could drive a sane man over the edge! Sometimes aboard ship if it hadn't have been for a good book, or even a movie we hadn't seen previously, monotony could break into sheer boredom! <grin>
Really nice stuff from Cap'n Tom on the Santa Fe and Stockholm train station, etc. I've said it B4, but it's worth repeating, the efforts you put into making your posts unique really shows and I for one appreciate the way you go about your "business."!
Is it "politically correct" to ask - where in blankety-blank is ROB <geesh><double geesh>
Pete 'n Eric have something going with those "fastest trains." Looks to me like Pete was 'wondering' and Eric was 'factualizing.' Either way, some interesting stuff . . .
Hey Pete - thanks for stopping by TWICE yesterday, picked up the slack rather nicely!
I see CM3 I'm NOT Shane! has been a busy guy thes past couple of days, but not too much to keep him away from the bar by the ballast. Always a treat to have you aboard, mate. Perhaps one day you'll dig up some B&O steam loco material for us (and me!). You have quite a depth of knowledge regarding all things "trains" and surely enjoy reading about it.
Nice to see the turnout from the guys these past couple of days, actually past two weeks is more correct. Keep it going, gang!
Didn't catch anything in particular addressed to me, so if I've missed a comment or question, please lay it on me one more time!
Let's NOT forget that Monday is our 23rd month anniversary for the bar. A TOAST to "us" has been requested from all that day. So let's DO IT when we come in on Monday!
Some recent topics here at the bar:
Until the next time!
Lars
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house and $ for the jukebox. Gas jumped approx 11 cents yesterday between breakfast and lunch. It is now at $2.70, getting ready for spring break, I guess. Nice weather here today with temps supposed to head up into the 50s. What I don't contribute to Mountaineer Gas or Appalachian Power to heat and light our "fashionable" dwelling will now go to Exxon.
Pete stopped by with comments
Dave visited as well. Be careful out there! The anecdote about aging equipment is the truth. Thos of you with some seniority here will remember a note I posted about SP equipment coming up from New Orleans on the L&N in freight service. James would have liked it as they were typically big Alcos, gray with bloody nose scheme. The other side of the situation was that L&N equipment would disappear onto the SP and vanish only to reappear beat to !@#$. I can't believe that my pictures of them are almost 40 yrs old - OMG!
James stopped by with some comments and information re the beginnings of the BN. For our financiers and "Captains of Industry," Saunders's book, Main Lines will give you a lot more background on the BN merger. I remember all of that quite well as it was part of a far bigger round of consolidations, mergers, acqusitions, etc. Some of these worked and others were miserable failures. Thanks for the post.
OSP kept things going with RI Aerotrains and some fine ATSF material. I hope, with your interest in self-propelled beasties, that you have seen John McCall's book, Coach, Cabbage and Caboose - all about ATSF mixed trains. It's one of the favorite volumes in my collection, even though I'm not an ATSF follower all that much.
Incidentally, Tom, the Lords of Baseball have decided that we won't be able to get the Extra Innings package on cable this year. DirectTV or nothing (try and set up a small satellite dish around here with our terrain and trees - good luck! Of course the satellite folks did sweeten the pot with approx. $700 million. Kinda like when the Cardinals broadcasts left KMOX. Boris, unhand me, you mad beast of Transylvania - that's all I'm going to say.
Eric's shot of the waiting area at Stockholm reminds me of Washington Union Terminal back in the day. The inset of the extender on the ATSF locomotive was interesting. IIRC, Santa Fe had several types of these on their locomotives. They were used to either keep the crews from being suffocated, or, as I once heard from somebody, to improve steaming characteristics. Southern used a device called the Wimble smoke duct (always liked the name) to keep crews from being gassed on the Rathole. C&O used air masks on their engines some of their engines again because of the many tunnels en route. Our UP gurus can help me on this, but I think the Big Boys had similar devices, again for crew safety.
BTW, for those interested, the C&O Historical Society offers an 80-page book titled Steam Locomotive Coaling Stations and Diesel Locomotive Fueling Facilities. It has lots of good information with pictures and drawings.
Work safe
Good morning Tom and all present.
Ruth- oof. I need to wake up. Could I please get a coffee along with one of those wonderful looing pastries. Thanks
Well I'm back this morning with an article that has probably been around these walls quite a few times. But I'm bringing it up again. It's interesting.
The Burlington Northern Merger
The Burlington Northern was the product of a March 2, 1970 merger comprising the Great Northern Railway, the Northern Pacific Railway, the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, and the Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railway. Consent for this merger came only on the fourth attempt dating back to the days of James J. Hill, but for many years they shared a headquarters building in Saint Paul, Minnesota until the merger was finally approved. On November 21, 1980, the former St. Louis - San Francisco Railway was acquired. In 1981 corporate headquarters of parent Burlington Northern Inc. were moved to Seattle, Washington, and in 1988, after its non-rail operations were spun off as Burlington Resources, to Fort Worth, Texas.
On December 31, 1996, the Burlington Northern merged with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway to form the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway.
The route.
The Burlington Northern traversed the most northerly route of any railroad in the western United States. This route started at Chicago, Illinois and ran west-northwest to La Crosse, Wisconsin. From here the route continued northwest through Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota to Grand Forks, North Dakota. From Grand Forks the route ran west through North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho to Spokane, Washington. At Spokane the route split into two routes, one going to Seattle, Washington and another to Portland, Oregon. This route required construction of the Flathead Tunnel through the Rocky Mountains in Montana and the Cascade Tunnel through the Cascade Mountains in Washington.
With the acquisition of the St. Louis - San Francisco Railway, the route was extended into the South Central and Southeastern United States.
The paint scheme.
The Burlington Northern's
*Idiot of the Week #6
A pair of Michigan robbers entered a record shop nervously waving
revolvers. The first one shouted, "Nobody move!" When his partner
moved, the startled first bandit shot him.
This guy doesn't even deserve a sign
STAY ALERT!
They walk among us .. and they REPRODUCE ..!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Week's end at the Tavern by the Tracks - FRIDAY!
Pour yourself a cuppa freshly ground ‘n brewed coffee - a few pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and then order a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board!
An all around good day here at the bar with a fine cross-section of support from the guys.
James at 9:06 PM yesterday: I never saw the Aerotrain or Turbo Train in operation. In those times I was doing far more with my life than watching or riding trains. Now, in this segment of it all, I'd surely liked to have had the opportunity to travel aboard ‘em. That's why I sometimes stress the notion to take advantage of what's available NOW, for one has no clue what the ‘morrow will bring!
Good to see ya and thanx for your continued participation.
Pete at 9:19 PM yesterday: Boris ‘n Chandler duties Nahhhhhhhhhh. Best leave him to those things he is most comfortable with. Anything more involved than changing the food trays for our critters is indeed a challenge for our resident cloven-footed-Cyclops! <grin>
A long time ago, in a land far away . . . . I can recall diving off the United Fruit pier in Baltimore harbor back in the late 1940s. If anyone has a remote idea of what that harbor became (way before today's upscale development and cleanup) you'd know it to be safer to swim in a cess pool! <ugh> So, I understand your comments about swimming the canal today. Just the things kids do, eh
Appreciate the 2nd appearance!
Eric at 11:58 PM yesterday: It will be interesting to see how quickly Wikipedia picks up on your updated and corrected info . . . I've been impressed with them in this regard, for I haven't found any other "source" of info willing to admit to, much less accept, helpful info . . .
Really liked that Pix from Stockholm's Central Station - always "wonder"when I see passenger train stations - where those people were going and what kinds of journeys they experienced.
I don't think Pete provided a "definitive list" of the world's fastest trains - his was more conjecture than fact. At least that's my take on it . . . . Figured you'd come up with something substantial though and it's very much appreciated!
Now, you've gotta elaborate a bit on that "3450" steam loco shot . . .
Good to see ya again!
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing. Tonight is Pizza ‘n Beer Nite! - and - Steak ‘n Fries Nite! Dinner begins at 5 PM.
Boris, serve ‘em all of the "spiked" OJ they can handle!
Good eveing Captain Tom and Gentlemen!!
Kind of early tonight! Ah, Leon, a juicy Filet Mignon, please! With fries! Thank you, I'll have some coffee while I wait.
Thursday, the weeks are going extremely fast! Found some nostalgic info tonight! Santa Fe and an interesting picture of an early diesel!
Tom – I will write down everything and send to Wikipedia this weekend. Another picture of the waiting hall Stockholm Central Station in September last year. Late morning, very few people.
Aerotrain looks like a mix of a F7 and a GM car from the fifties! Santa Fe is probably the most well known American railroad in Europe. I don’t know if Pete or DL have another opinion? Nice book covers, wish I had the books!I have tried to figure out what kind of diesel locomotive (rail car?) that is in the picture you posted, but no luck so far. CM3 – There is local opinion in Arizona against UP’s planned yard, but I am quite sure they will build it. The yard is supposed to be 5 miles long. I think I have some video of the coal dock in New Haven. I have to check if my memory is correct. Those kids really came up with some unusual names! Pete – Stockholm Central Station was a great place to work, I agree. Your list of the fastest train services of the world is not 100% correct. According to the latest info I have from November 2005 the list looked like this (average speed):1 France, TGV2 Japan, Nozomi (500 Series)3 International, (from Brussels to Valence) TGV Thalys Soleil4 Germany, ICE35 Spain, AVE (Class 100)6 Sweden, X20007 Republic of Korea, KTX8 United Kingdom, IC225 (Class 91)9 Italy, Eurostar (ETR500)10 USA, AcelaThe list, with more detailed info, can be found on this link:http://www.h2.dion.ne.jp/~dajf/byunbyun/speeds/world.htmDave – Thanks for the info on SP and Rock Island! I am interested in everything Southern Pacific! James – I hope you will get some warmer weather soon!The extra rails you have seen on bridges are there for the purpose you mentioned. But my picture actually shows two separate standard gauge tracks!
Just called in at the bar and I am glad I did as Dave as been back in, so the best scotch for Dave and I'll have a Holden's Special on Tom plesase LEON.
DAVE It seems The SP as been calling to you, we have been missing those,interesting facts and insight you provide. I seem to recall reading, at the bar, that the SP had a simular problem when they invested in new Box Cars with other lines "borrowing" them.
The other day there was a SP diesel through here still in Southern Pacific livery and with the SP three digit number.
Keep Safe and I hope you are able to call at the bar again soon.
TOM I am hoping I can get to a computer on St Pats Day. I was thinking of getting BORIS to help with the chandeling but I have been told I will be responsable for all breakages, so I had better rethink that one.
I guess with the Santa Fe ad, I was thinking in todays terms where they are always trying to run down a rivals product.
I dont think swimming in the canal could be recommended today, not intentionaly anyway..
That looks a very interesting Railcar on the cover of that book.
Have sent an e-mail sorry for the delay, me again.
I see JAMES as called in. I'll post this and have a read of the post
Well LEON the Fish 'n' Chips were deliciousto H&H,and let me get a round in.
G-day Tom and all present!
Leon- That Fish n' chips sounds really good. Could I get that with a coffee please.
Alright, I am back on track and ready for more posting.
Eric- 87 degrees!!!! Who said. Well, we got a high of 20 today. It's so hot I can feel it.....
Anyway, Nice picture of the station platforms. It sounds like the railroad has everything planned out for passenger service, which is good. Oh and thanks for the information on the picture. I have never seen that type of set up near a platform. I have only seen it on bridges. I suppose to keep what ever fell off the track from tipping over into the river. Same thing here, just people can't really live squished.
Tom- Nice picture of the Rock Island Aero train. They were a very unique looking passenger train. I don't think I could find another to match it except the turbo train. Also, another good Passenger Nostalgia, this time on the Santa Fe. Thanks.
CM3- Some interesting names for steam locomotives. It's amazing what a few kids can think up. Pretty cool.
Pete- Sounds like a fun little walk by the canal. I wouldn't want to fall into it though. I'm glad they got the railings fixed. Oh and those locomotives and there coal. They literally need a washing every week. The coal dust can do a number on those locomotives. Streaks, clogged fans and on and on.
Hornblower. Yes they are excellent movies and I have heard the books are just as good if not better. I might have to sit down one of these days and read them.
West Coast Dave- Good to hear from you again. Thanks for the little article. I did enjoy it!
I will be back in the morning to drop a little something off!
Happy railroading
James
Good Evenin' Gents!
FLASH! West Coast Dave at 7:08 PM today! Another visit from Iraq from our Left Coast Connection, Super Sleuth Dave!
Glad to know the Ether is storing and making available the pertinent "stuff" for you from the boyz at the bar!
Always pleased to have you aboard and especially gratified to know that you're still thinking of us AND contibuting. Dinner on me, Mate!
Leon, go ahead 'n take your dinner break! Fish 'n Chips look mighty tempting . . .
Been two successive days where I can say, "One of THOSE daze!" <ugh> But, such is life in the fast lane, eh
Pete at 4:22 PM today: WHAT??? Away on St. Pat's Day! Welllllll, you betta get a laptop and be sure to be on line for at least a part of it! <geeesh> Guess this becomes a "test" to see if we'll have either our Bar Chandler OR Assistant ready for work. Seems that Rob has disappeared once again . . . .
I think the Santa Fe ad is rather "generic" and more intended to "say" something like "Take the train to down town anywhere, as opposed to . . . " Appears that way to me. Good point!
Swim the canal! Now THAT's just about the way it SHOULD be - gotta earn those "stripes"!
Ten fastest trains in the world? Well, I suppose that info is available in the Ether. Posing it as contest or quiz material surely would require someone to amass the correct answers. Off the top of my head, your list looks fine to me.
Hope you've received THAT Email I sent you (twice) . . . unanswered question at the end.
MANY THANX for picking up the mid ot late afternoon "slot" - really helps!
Boris, ring the bell - drinks on Da Boss!
Good evening all from the sandbox... Taking some unauthorized time here, too much good stuff..
Tom..In complete agreement with your take on those among the legion of the lost, couldn't have put it better myself, and I speak from experience!!! Where are my manners? Best Malt scotch we may have, dry you know in my area...
Thanks to all who expressed their best wishes to me, outside contact is so important with my 12 hour/6 on one off schedule, diversion keeps me sane
BK,Pete,CM3,Lars...failed our little quiz..for want of study time!!!
CMSTP, great writen up, another tragic tale all too common these past decades..
OK, I did see SP mentiond here did I not? Sunset limited? Thought so.
For your enjoyment:
In 1968, SP and Rock Island in a event little recorded and less known about agreed to pool E units on the Sunset Limited, this brought Rock power to the West Coast and SP to Chicago this agreement solved the daunting issue of meeting schedules with aging power long overdue for replacement and improved to running time ..Typically, the units were intermixed as needed...The Rock typically supplied the E8 or E9 units, some recently purchased second or third hand. On at least one occasion an aging E6 made it west as a trailing unit in an otherwise all SP lashup.
The agreement did not last long, seems the Rock was assigning units known to be in need of heavy repairs, forcing SP to shop the power at Taylor Shops before the return trip east, the Rock was not too quick to reimburse SP for said repairs. Likewise, several SP units went to the ground on Rock rails, or misuse by assignment to freight duties that further taxed the aging power.The best course decided upon was to part ways, equiptment would continue to interchange, but not the power, in several years the quest would be moot with the inception of Amtrak.
Well, thats all the time I have for toady..Be back as soon as able....
A pint of Holden's Bitter would go down a treat on this quite warm Mid-Mo afternoon please RUTH, and of course the Fish 'n' Chips later.
JAMES The suspended railway at Wuppental has a remarkable safty record with only one bad accident in the time the railway as been running.
I was lucky having the Oxford Canal so near the house, it is a very pleasant walk if the weather is decent, away from traffic and plenty of wildlife to be seen.They have renovated the tow-path so it is easy walking and a great way for me to get into town on a Saturday night, although longer than going on the main road, the route via the canal also meant that you crossed the railway on a footbridge on the way to town. In the old days if you walked through the tunnel it was best to keep away from the edge as some of the handrails were missing, today they are in good repair and painted white. In the old days, I have been told, to be consider a "Lad of Newbold" you had to swim the quarter mile of the tunnel.
Yes that was a great layout in Kansas City. I read an advert in the K.C. Star there is going to be a big model railroad show in KC this weekend.
I had not thought about the back locomotive pushing to coal train, I guess that sometimes the performance of the loco is affected with the coal dust.
So you are another Hornblower fan.
ERIC Another interesting pic , it is good to see thought going in for the second line.
What a great place to work Stockholm Central Staion It is good to hear that even more trains will be serving the station when the new commuter line is built.
X2000 the 6th fastest train in the world, it sounds it could be another quiz to name the top 10 fastest( no looking them up), what do you thinkNot special speed runs but their everyday speed.
Off the top of my head I would say
1 Japenese Bullet Train
2 French TGV
3German ICE
4 Eurostar
5 U.S Acela.
6 Swedish X2000
7 GB Pendelino
8 Italian HST
9 Spanish Talgo
10 Australian XST
These are only my guesses
CM3. Thanks for the details on Jack Delano's Chicago photo, and for the list and the meanings on the B&M steam locomotives.IMHO they were an impressive set of names.
Mentioning them losing their names towards the end of their careers reminded me,towards the last days of BR steam, how locos that once carried proud names had lost them.Some of the worst was the ex Great Western locos with just the three brackets remaining that once held a polished brass nameplate.I guess that hammered home to us that steam really was finishing.
TOM I meant to say Doodle-Bug sorry. It was a good layout at KC this year and I think that Doodle bug was my favorite model, it seemed to fit in so well with the scenary they had.
Sherlock Holmes is a clever guy, in the film last night he managed to get a German Steam loco( amongst others) on his trip from London to Edinburgh .
Oh Dear. I feel I am going to get a 'Tweeting'. The bride tells me we are going to be in Kansas City on St Patricks Day. I will make sure the bars are well stocked before I go though.
Thanks for the Santa Fe Nostalgia. I wonder who they are referring to with the "Arrive Down -Town and not in the country" remark. Reading the old ads there is usually something you notice a second time that perhaps was missed before.
Well RUTH I am about ready for another, let me get a round in and then the .
G'day All!
PASSENGER TRAIN NOSTALGIA #23
Initially Posted on Page 159 of the original Thread
Here's something to enjoy regarding the Santa Fe (AT&SF) from a 1950 advertisement in my personal collection.
You arrive and depart Down-Town on the Santa Fe
- not out in the country
When you're gong somewhere, you want to be there when you arrive.
Go Santa Fe. You leave on your trip when you plan to leave.
You arrive relaxed, refreshed, at a convenient station right downtown, close to your hotel or office.
Travel Santa Fe and you choose accommodations to suit yourself. You get privacy as you like it. You have room to roam around when you want it. You enjoy wonderful Fred Harvey meals.
You be the judge. Go Santa Fe all the way!
Ride great trains through a great country!
Santa Fe
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ruth, take a break - I'll watch things for awhile. I'm in between appointments . . . Received an Email from Manager Lars, I doubt we'll be seeing him today. So, let's see how we can handle this without the Larsman!
CM3 at 10:35 AM today: Good to see the return of our WVA Connection to full 'n fine form! Nice Post, Shane!
Always enjoy the B&M material as it brings back "those" memories of the RDCs from Melrose to North Station back in 1968-69. Ahhhhhhh.
Of course your focus was the "named" steam locos, which I never experienced, but enjoy knowing about!
Been viewing some Aerotrain Pix over on "my other Thread" which of course brings back memories as well. Can't say I was a huge fan of that innovation, however, it did bring a degree of "modernization" and "forward thinking" to the rails. The "yellow beast" that VIA Rail operated was rather hideous in livery. And yes, I too think of the venture as an overall "bust."
Thanx for the quarters 'n round!
Rock Island Aerotrain at the St. Louis Museum of Transport (Kirkwood, MO)
Boris, ring the bell - rounds on me!
Good Morning Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; round for the house, and $ for the jukebox.
A few comments and some more information.
I was able to look at the Delano Chicago yard shot that Mike sent. Lots to see in there. For example, look at the freight cars - all dull and drab. The Erie box is the most "modern" of any cars in the yard. Next look at the switch stands; they'd cut an unwary brakeman in half; especially at night. Next is the jointly operated NKP/C&O freight house. Last is the fine view of the Tribune Tower and the Wrigley Bldg in the background; excellent and most appreciated.
Also many thanks for the posters and the SP items; I especially liked the red-nosed F units with the ice breakers.
James provided some general comments (almost said observations, but that's what he was discussing,) and an interesting piece on his MILW Road. I spent lots of time on the D&H; veterans of the page have read about how I got skunked out of a beautiful shot of the PAs when they were blocked by a trio of C628s with a NB freight. Many roads in that area had RS11s. The New Haven had some, for example, which they used in passenger service. I especially remember seeing and photographing RS11s on both the Maine Central and the Central Vermont.
Eric - The coal dock you saw in New Haven still stands; those beasties were built for the ages. It did, indeed, belong to the New Haven and is at what's called Cedar Hill. This yard was the largest facility of its type on the New Haven and did lots of classification work. Freights were basically dispatched in three different directions; north (east by timetable), south (west by timetable), and west to Maybrook, NY and points beyond. Maybrook and surrounding area was a most interesting place in that it had lots of railroads in a very rural setting. Also thanks for the shot of Maricopa - I have read about what Uncle Pete is planning - it will in many ways reshape the whole railroad picture in Arizona.
Lars stopped by with comments and a photo of the Aerotrain - something that was truly a misbegotten effort, IMHO.
Pete seems to be in recovery. Beer and excess consumption thereof is a matter of free will - that probably accounts for the lack of sympathy.
BK stopped by as well. Good to hear from you, sir.
Continuing our never-ending efforts to answer questions, here's some material about named Boston and Maine steam locomotives.
Starting in late 1937, R-1a and R-1b Mountains and P-4a and P-4b Pacifics received names suggested by schoolchildren in a contest. They were applied in white (silver in the Speed Lettering scheme) to a plate mounted below the running board, with the names of the child and school below in smaller letters. New naming contests took place when classes R-1c and R-1d arrived. Some engines lost their nameplates before they were retired, but they were maintained through 1950, at least.
Before you ask, here's some background on some of the more obscure names.
Allagash is a wilderness area in Maine.
Greylock is the tallest mountain in Massachusetts
Kwasind is an Algonquin word for "strong and powerful."
Camel's Hump is another mountain; this one is in Vermont
Hannah Dustin aka Duston was captured by Native Americans during King William's War (1689-1697) - Cotton Mather wrote a narrative of her captivity. The B&M had another locomotive named Hannah Duston; this was a GP38-2, part of an order delivered to the B&M in 1973.
Cardigan - Another mountain - in New Hampshire
The rest are pretty straightforward. I always liked the name "Black Arrow" myself.
You can find out more in the following books:
Minuteman Steam
The Encyclopedia of New England
The most excellent B&M book, High Green and the Bark Peelers, has an account of a cab ride on Kwasind. B&M 1713 is supposedly undergoing restoration at Steamtown.
Hope this helps.
Another early morning round of places to go ‘n people to see.
Hope y'all are eagerly awaiting the wind down of the week as Thursday emerges. Draw a cuppa Joe, some pastries from The Mentor Village Bakery and of course a <light> or <traditional> breakfast from our Menu Board!
Appreciate the efforts put forth by the guys who stopped by yesterday!
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (in brief):
James at 8:18 AM yesterday: A rare early AM visit from our Minnesota Connection - good to see ya and appreciate you being the one to "kick off" the morning . . .
Really an intriguing Pix to start off your Milwaukee Road article . . . never knew anything ‘bout it. That's another PLUS for this great interactive Thread of ours, eh
Lars at 11:28 AM yesterday: Another fine "chat" from the Larsman along with a unique Pix of the Aereotrain.
BK at 12:46 PM yesterday: I'm ALWAYS ready for a VIA Rail trip and the one up to Churchill on Hudson Bay is definitely in my plans to do. Just gotta get a ROUNDTUIT!
Keep me posted on the developments . . .
Appreciate the chat and of course the fine Pix of the Euro model trains! Good to see anytime . . .
CM3 at 2:28 PM yesterday: The "man" always makes the time to drop off quarters ‘n buy a round!
Pete at 5:21 PM ‘n 5:30 PM yesterday: Good stuff in the Post ‘n link . . . that RDC looks more like a "Doodlebug" to me (terminology difference between North America ‘n Europe - when I think "RDC" I think Budds stainless steel beauties still running to this day!).
St. Pat's Day at the bar will require YOUR services as Assistant Bar Chandler!
Thanx for pickin' up on my error - has been corrected!
James at 9:47 PM yesterday: Got us at both ends, eh Good to see ya again! -
We need to bottle your enthusiasm for the upcoming Tuesday "Theme for the Day" - it's a good thing!
And, THANX for supporting "my other Thread"!!
Eric at 12:21 AM today: Glad the Stockholm Central Station piece "worked" for you and bought back some good memories! Appreciate the supplemental info on the subway station, etc. Also, anything you may have to enlighten the Wikipedia people should be mentioned to them. They are MOST RECEPTIVE and all you need to do is get on their site (http://www.wikipedia.com/) and take it from there . . . The nice thing about the way those guys run that site is they are ALWAYS open to updated and corrected info. They don't come across as "the final authority" the way so many other sites do.
Sorry, but I have to get going . . . .
Reminder: Ruth has the bar from 9 AM until Leon the Night Man comes in at 5 PM ‘til closing. Tonight is Fish ‘n Chips Nite! with servings beginning at 5 PM.
Leon, glad to see you! Just a cup of coffee and a dansih, if you have any from this morning.
We had a warm and nice day in the desert today! Wish we also had rail passenger service, but we don't.
Nearest Amtrak station is Maricopa Station (above) south of Phoenix. Note the long platform! The station is prepared for double track. UP is adding a second track through Arizona due to heavy traffic. They also plan to build a huge yard halfway between Phoenix and Tucson,
Tom – Until the judge has decided otherwise I feel like a Senior Novice. I think the grades are okay. Or do I? Yeah, I do. I think. Or whatever. There are places and occasions where they have been running track over ice. The Russians did it during WW II over Lake Ladoga to bring supplies to Leningrad. Stockholm Central Station! I guess I know that place pretty well, both the inside and outside! The underground station is actually a subway station that is directly connected to the Central station. The subway station has tracks at three different levels. In a couple of years they plan to build a railroad station for commuter trains only, under the subway station! Nils Ericson was a brother of John Ericson (the Monitor) who moved to the US in the 1800’s.Interesting to read about the X2000 (Wikipedia). Not everything is correct though. It says for instance that: The trains were initially used sparingly to avoid breakdowns.That is not true. They were used as much as practical possible. The first 6 months there was only one train set in service. The trains are geared for 130 mph but due to grade crossings the max allowed speed is 125 mph. In the US Amtrak operated the X2000 at 135 mph.Top speed is one thing, but what is interesting as the average speed or traveling time. Using the average speed as criteria the X2000 is the 6th fastest train in the world. Finally it is stated that Amtrak used the X2000 for a few runs betseen Washington, D.C. and New York City. Amtrak used for in revenue service for five months including one month when it was running Washington, D.C. - New York City - New Haven. More than a few runs. James – A very interesting article! Kind of sad to read. I love that picture with the empty tracks and a Clear signal. Thanks!Also a interesting site about Milwaukee Road. The second picture from bottom shows that they were short on money in 1978. The track is in badly need of maintenance but will not get any. X2000 was surprisingly easy to push so it did not take long. The train came to a complete stop about 200 yards from the siding so all we did was to call the CTC and they let us come back onto the siding. Then they dispatched two locomotives to pick us up.The picture with four rails shows a Gauntlet track, in this case at New Carrollton north of Washington, D.C. Regular trains are using rail # 1 and 3 (from the left side) and freight trains with wide loads use rail #2 and 4. That particular Gauntlet track is pretty short, a little bit longer than the platform. We had 87°F in Phoenix today. Lars – I am afraid that I ended up as a Senior Novice in the Quiz. Which is almost like my title, Senior Quality Engineer. Life is rough!The orange looking car in my pix is a former small DMU that was converted to a maintenance way car, so you are right! GM Aerotrain! A very good looking train!! That would be something for Amtrak to operate today! BK – Nice pictures of locos from France, Luxembourg and Germany! “would not fold in neatly with the topics and banter at the bar”? Theatrical DVD? Is that ..., no I didn’t think so. CM3 – All mornings started before 10 o’clock are way too early!Pete – I have to come back this weekend and watch that 10 min. film! Too late tonight. Yes, you are correct, those are track machines on the right. Stockholm Central Station was my work place when I worked at the headquarters of the Swedish State Railways. Had my office on second floor.
Leon- Good to see-ya! Could I get a coffee and a small turkey sandwich. Thanks.
Okay, I am on the last page of my catch-up. Page 25, So here goes.
CM3- I liked the article about the Anthracite railroads. Some pretty neat railroads ran through with the coal operations. One of my favorites is the D&H. Later on, they got some of the coolest Alco locomotives, like the RS-11. There was quite a boom of railroads to compete for the coal. It's hard to believe how quickly they built for having mostly man power to build the track. Thanks for the article.
Pete- I saw the picture of the suspended railway from Wappertal, Germany. That's a bit scary for me. I have never been in a suspended railroad. It might be fun. Well, I have been on the L in Chicago and that's up a ways, but it's not suspended. But a cool picture none-the-less. Also got a look at the Oxford Canal. Pretty cool looking water way. Especially that tunnel in one of the pictures. Pretty nice. Thanks
Also, I liked the red center cab locomotives. Those are some of my favorite switching locomotives. They are some really awkward locomotives but they do there job and that's what I like about them.
Thanks for the kind words about my article. It was interesting to find the article associated with a song. It's too bad the Milwaukee couldn't have lasted a few more years, but alas, they did not. But that's sometimes the life of a railroad. BTW: good picture of the model railroad. Nice looking layout.
Eric- Nice cab view of the X2000 locomotive. That's a pretty clean looking cab. Most of the Coal train locomotive cabs I have seen in Duluth, are absolutely filthy. When the locomotive is in the DPU (distributed power unit) position, When the locomotive is on the back of the train pushing (controlled by remote control) Some of the coal dust that comes off the coal cars, somehow reaches the inside of that cab. And you go into it and the cab is covered in a fine layer of coal dust. Yuck, what a mess.
Also a good set of photos of the X2000 being hauled around by the F40. So when you guys had to push the X2000 back, how long did it take you to do so? Obviously it must have been quite heavy or did it roll pretty easily?
I have a question for you. I saw in one of your pictures that there were 4 sections of rail in one. Like a set of rails in the middle of the regular rail. What is the significance of that? Was it for another train to travel on it?
Well, It's going to drop to a cold temp tonight and then it's suppose to be about 40 degrees tomorrow, so we will have to see what happens. But I will bundle up tonight.
Mike- Good show of pictures from you sir. I really liked the pictures of the Pennsy electrics. Those E-44 electrics were quite the sight to behold. A true WOW if a person got to look at those. Thanks.
Also, interesting article about the locks. The Name Hornblower, sparked my mind. I have a trilogy of movies called, Horatio Hornblower. Excellent movies about the a young man, just beginning in the navy and set back to the Napoleonic Wars. A very good set of movies. Could this be one of the books to those movies?
Lars- Good to see some more good looking pictures from you. Starting off with one of the NYC PA3s. An excellent looking Alco locomotive and one I would like to hear and see in action. I also enjoyed looking at the D&H PAs and the RF16. The D&H was famous for there Baldwins and Alcos. I know one such Baldwin that many would love to see. The D&Hs Baldwin Shark units. I have actually seen these locomotives. They are located on the Escanaba and Lake Superior railroad. They are in perfect condition and stored away. The man who owns them won't let anyone see them except friends and family. He's pretty protective of them. But they are a cool looking locomotive.
I'm glad you liked the Milwaukee road article. I thought it was a pretty good submission, but a little sad at the same time. BTW: Nice Aero train picture.
Tom- Well I am sure happy to hear that there will be more quizzes. I will certainly beat all of you then. Oh and I have it all planned out for next Tuesday. I will probably post the first portion of the theme late Monday night and then be back later Tuesday to drop off the second portion of the theme. I'm ready!
Nice little history on the Stockholm station. That's quite a nice looking building. Thanks for sharing.
Budkarr- Some really nice looking model trains you posted. I really liked the electric locomotive. That's a funky looking thing, but cool at the same time. Kind of like the center cab units. Thanks for the pics!
Me again LEON, OK then another pint..
To see the Train being cleared in the snow in my link. When the URL comes up click on 'Snowdrift At Bleath Gill.
I'll try Kimberley Mild please RUTH.
MIKE Thanks for the links. With some very good artwork on the wartime posters and the great color pics of the SP locomotives.
JAMES Great posts .I see you are warming up for Tuesdays Milwaukee Theme day with that very well written Dust in the Wind piece. It is strange how a certain song can bring you back to a certain time and a place. I don't know if you have heard of a British band called The Kinks but they had a No1 hit called Waterloo Sunset, although not at all about railways it was out about the same time as Southern Region steam was finishing and the SR's Waterloo Station was the last terminal in London to see steam engines.
Those are good photos in the link to Dust in the Wind, that track looks in very bad condition, and I guess it is the old electrification masts still on the Mine Creek Bridge that the GP 40s are crossing.
It is indeed very interesting traveling through that old Dudley Canal Tunnel, some of the tunnel is lined with brick while some it is just the rock. It must have quite an achievement when it was built in the mid to late 1700s.
ERIC I am just grateful I got this at home and not on vacation, it is real downer after looking forward to a vacation to have it spoiled by bad food.
Thanks for the Sunset Limited schedule and the photo from the cab; like Lars says they look like track machines on the right.
LARS I will certainly look forward to the pics of your Lionel Trains.
As you say the 23 rd month anniversary is soon with us and then the big one the 2nd birthday bash, hopefully I should have my piece on the Naming of British Locos ready by then. I still haven't really found out why the British were so into naming their locos.
The local Irish bar has an electronic counter running down the time to St Patrick's Day, can you guess the drink company whose name is on it.
BK.Thanks for the kind wishes. If you ever do lease a train perhaps it could come down to our part of the world, what a thought that is a Our Place rendezvous all on a train, of course it would have to have a Dome Car in the consist.
Those are some very stylish European model locomotives LYDIA found for us. The CL 3600 electric loco has a bit of look of a Pennsy GG1 about it.
Thanks for the round CM3 and I will look forward to your post tomorrow.
TOM Another great SP advert. What an ordeal those poor passengers had and the heroic efforts to reach the City of San Frisco SP's train 101 stuck by that very severe snowstorm in the Donner Pass, the conditions as the availability to heat the train and the food running short are hard to imagine. Many thanks for sharing that link
There was a British Transport Film about trying to open a line in the Northern Fells of England in 1955 after a snowstorm. It is 10 minutes long and perhaps would make a good short at the Emporium.
http://www.britishtransportfilms.co.uk/
Talking of films I see there is a Sherlock Holmes film tonight on Turners Classic Movies at 9 PM. It says the plot is that Holmes is protecting a diamond on a London to Edinburgh train, I wonder if there are some railway shots in the film.
Thanks for the kind words.
It is funny that if the illness is caused by food you get a lot of sympathy, but if it is caused by beer you are on your own.
Alan is still away at the minute but I will find out when his birthday is.
I will be sure to get up early in Halifax; there seems a lot to see there.
For model day A ACL RDC at Union Station Kansas City this New Year.
Just caught your post on Stockholm Central Station. I see the station was opened in 1871 but the underground was not there until 1951. It looks a well-proportioned building and it still as a Royal Waiting Room..
By the way Tom I believe you mean London Victoria in the list of previous stations.I would like to see a piece of the Great Westerns Windsor station.
Well I see you have just come on duty LEON so let me get a round in and another Mild for me please.
Railroad Stations - Terminals & Depots
Number Seven - Stockholm Central Station
Location
Place
Stockholm
Operations
Manager
JernhusenBanverket
Platforms in use
19
Daily entry/exit
220 000 *
History
18711951
OpenedUnderground Station opened
Central station of Stockholm.
Stockholm Central Station (Stockholm C) is the largest railway station in Sweden. The station is situated in the district of Norrmalm at Vasagatan. The station was opened July 18, 1871. Today the station isn't only the largest station in Sweden its also the largest travel center in the Nordic region with over 220000 visitors daily.[1]
The Building
The Station was built between 1867 and 1871. Adolf W. Edelsvärd was the architect. Until 1925 the tracks led in to the station but during a renovation 1925-1927 the tracks were moved to the west and the former track hall was converted in to a 119 m long, 28 m wide and 13 m high waiting hall. During the renovation the station was extended to the south through the construction of the southern pavilion. Today this part of the station houses a conference facility. Next to the conference facility is the Royal waiting hall were the Royal Family waits when travelling by train.
In 1951 the facade towards Vasagatan was changed and given a more simplified look. In 1958 a underground passage to T-Centralen was opened.
In front of the central station stands a statue of Nils Ericson.
Services
The Waiting Hall at Stockholm Central Station.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * &nb
Good Afternoon Barkeep and all Present; coffee, please; ropund for the house and $ for the jukebox.
Started this a.m. WAY too early and am just here quickly b4 heading back out. I will post more tomorrow.
Good Morning Captain Tom & fellow sophisticates!
Greetings from Alberta where there are some early signs of spring, but not enough to get anyone excited.
I have been pitifully slow in catching up to the postings and wonder if I ever shall. As I have stated so many times in the year-plus since I found this wonderful respite from reality, I am not a rail aficionado of any stripe. Therefore, it is most difficult for me to delve through the materials presented. It sets up a bad habit of scrolling through, rather than trying to digest the efforts of our fellow barmates. 'Tis indeed a quandry for me, for I want to give my full time and attention to the efforts, but find my mind wandering from those subjects for which I hold very little interest. Sorry, but that is the truth.
Sometimes the links from Mike and others are far easier for me, but then I miss out on the details. That is the quandry!
Ruth, a mug of coffee with just a "splash" to make it interesting, a round for the house and the change is for you. My, my, Lars was right on, you are radiant this fine day!
Not much to report today as life goes on up here at the mountain retreat. I doubt that anything of worth from our personal perspectives would fold in neatly with the topics and banter at the bar.
Pleased to read the works from Sirs CM3, Pete, Eric, James, Doug & Lars!
Hope you are well on the road to recovery Sir Wolfman!
One thing though, we will be taking a couple of trips to Calgary and Edmonton in the near future, providing I can arrange for a suitable lease on an aircraft I've had my eye on. We terminated our prior arrangement in deference to the extended holiday we recently returned from. Perhaps I would have better luck leasing a train! Ah, now there is a novel thought. What a fine arrangement that would be for a rolling rendezvous!
Oh yes, Tom, something to seriously consider. I have decided to look up those two retired RCMP friends that I met some years back while traveling from Winnipeg to Vancouver aboard CPR's version of "The Canadian." We have kept contact over the years, but now that I too am retired, it is time for more than phone calls. One of the guys mentioned Churchill and a light shone brightly in my aging cranium. Perhaps we could rekindle that thought of yours for a trip up there and back from Winnipeg. I know you have mentioned this and I surely would enjoy it. So, as they say, "Stay tuned!"
Here is a little something from past efforts over on the "original thread" (largely from Lydia!) to help perpetuate the Toy & Model Trains Day:
Trix SNCF BB 426000 ELECT LOCO
Trix CFL CL 3600 ELECT LOCO
Brawa Diesel Locomotive BR 216 (1970s-80s)
Brawa Diesel Locomotive BR 232
BK in Alberta, Canada's beautiful high mountain country!
Ruth, my deAH, the glow from you is enough to force me to keep my sun glasses on!
I see you've had a visitor this morning, as young James swung by with his "reading exercise" for us! <grin> Actually, a rather educational submission and one that sheds a bit of light into the history of another "mighty fine road," THE MILWAUKEE ROAD!
Tom has done it again by providing us with some fine material through his fallen flag series and RR ads. Surely like the reworking of 'em and they are much more meaningful to me in knowing that you've put personal effort into each one. That's what this place has far 'n above any of the others. Our guys aren't afraid to do a bit of work in order to provide quality material for us all.
I'm going to dispense with the "blow by blow" for each 'n every participant since my last visit, as so many of you are doing commendable jobs at covering that. Just let me add my thanks to those of you helping to keep this idea afloat. "Our" Place WILL survive and WILL continue into a 3rd year! WE will make it so, huh? Youbetchaboots!
Appreciate the e-mail from Wolfman and glad to see that you're back on your feet. Sorry 'bout that food issue, not good. I think the advice from Cap'n Tom hit the nail on the head - drink MORE beer. It's a sure-fire-disease killer! <grin>
Perhaps this "new slot time" will help things a bit here at the watering hole by the main lines, as I'm going to try like the Dickens to keep to a late to mid-morning schedule. With Pete picking up mid to late afternoon, we should have things "covered" at least for 6 hour intervals. Time will tell.
Good to see that James is gonna do the Milwaukee Road on Tuesday. Remember, generally Cap'n Tom uses the wikipedia stuff, so cut him some slack! <grin> Only kidding, go with what is best for you and we'll follow along as Tom suggested.
Eric, I find it MOST HARD TO ACCEPT your Quiz results! Surely you jest! Anyway, you're an honest man, that's for sure!
Like that pix at the end of your post. What is the orange looking car on the right side of it?? Looks to be some sort of a maintenance of way car from perhaps a converted passenger car. Most interesting.
One of these days I'm gonna put together a photo collage of my Lionel & American Flyer trains. They are still boxed up and very well rewrapped since our 'flood.' I'll have do some serious browsing to find the appropriate pix, sortalike what Tom did with his Lionel. To be continued . . .
I recall the St. Pat's Day "stuff" from last year and look forward to this edition as well. As some may recall. That's a big day for us here in New York City and even the "squareheads" get "with it." We're all Irish on that day, or at least that's what I've been told. My lodge marches in the parade and it's always been a fun time. Long day, especially when the weather is rotten, which around here, HAPPENS!
This year it falls on a Saturday, so my guess is we'll have a huge turnout amongst the younger set. The fall-down-drunks should stay home.
March 12th "anniversary day" for the bar is this coming Monday. So, let's not forget to hoist our tankards high in a toast to the continued success of "Our" Place. Try to make that a "thing" when you come through the doors. Thanks.
Here's one we haven't seen in awhile:
Aerotrain by GM EMD (Fair Use)
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